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How to choose the best apps for kids

Gone are the days when kids’ indoor entertainment was limited to paper and scissors, puzzles and books. Although most children still enjoy – and benefit from – getting hands-on with old fashioned arts and crafts and traditional games, these days many have more technological know-how than their parents. As a result, there’s now an abundance of super-fun educational and learning apps for kids that can be downloaded onto tablets and smart phones for their enjoyment.

A great learning tool for mums and kids

"I believe there is a great benefit to learning through apps,” says mum of two, Nonnie Bysterveldt, who has a Masters and Bachelor of education and encourages her girls to play with apps on both iPods and iPads.

"Studies have shown that children learn best through play. Play affords children educational opportunities that they may not have picked up as easily as through formal studies."

"Children also learn fine motor skills through apps. For example when they do puzzles on apps and need to rotate pieces, when they’re colouring in or when they’re maneuvering around the screen,” Bysterveldt says. "Children also learn to recognise the need to listen to and follow instructions through apps as, without listening carefully and following instructions, the preferred outcome is not attained.”

Bysterveldt always chooses apps in consultation with her kids and always makes sure they’re age appropriate. "Sometimes it is hard to determine the age-appropriateness, but nine times out of 10, the kids are right.”

Research apps before downloading

According to psychologist Jocelyn Brewer, while apps can be good for kids, it’s vital that parents do the research before purchasing. Brewer advises:

Look beyond the number of downloads and the ratings and play the game yourself.

Does it require you to do repetitive tasks over and over (known as ‘grinding’ in gaming) and really basic tasks with a restricted level of activities?

Look for games that have a range of dimensions and concepts and incorporate as many features of the device as possible. For example, a maths app where you draw the answer on the screen rather than select it from a list, develops fine motor and writing skills and removes the chance factor in guessing.

Ensure apps are age-appropriate

There is no mandate for guidelines on age-appropriateness for apps, so it pays to do your research first. Different app stores have different classifications and guidelines - some deeper than others. The Google Play app store has a loose set of guidelines based on maturity level, so it requires the parent to make an informed decision. Leapfrog apps are all classified by age and include the learning skills for every app clearly laid out. iTunes is the most extensive and popular app store, and explains their classifications as:

4+ Applications in this category contain no objectionable material.

9+ Applications in this category may contain mild or infrequent instances of cartoon, fantasy or realistic violence, and infrequent mild mature, suggestive or horror-themed content which may not be suitable for children under the age of nine.

12+ Applications in this category may also contain infrequent mild language, frequent or intense cartoon, fantasy or realistic violence and mild or infrequent mature or suggestive themes, and simulated gambling which may not be suitable for children under the age of 12.

17+ You must be at least 17 years old to purchase this application. Applications in this category may also contain frequent and intense offensive language, frequent and intense cartoon, fantasy or realistic violence; and frequent and intense mature, horror, and suggestive themes; plus sexual content, nudity, alcohol, tobacco and drugs which may not be suitable for children under the age of 17.

The ratings for apps are similar to games or film classification but really don't provide a sense for the parent of what is actually involved. While it is important to take note of the classification of each app – you should always do further research on your own before making a purchase.

The ratings start at 4 years +, despite the fact that toddlers often use apps, so it is extra important that parents check out apps designed for the very young. The statement "contains no objectionable material" is very subjective and some parents may have issues with apps that are 4+ rated.

Finding the best apps for kids

While many apps are free to download, some require payment of a premium to keep playing or obtain tools or extra features. This could be 99 cents to get extra fonts or decorations in graphic design/photo apps to $3 to access extra tools or powers in games. Small amounts can add up when little people’s fingers get clicky! Ensure you restrict in-app purchases via the settings (general>restrictions) on your mobile device.

To ensure you get the best apps for your children, do your homework:

Read educational blogs and trusted sources.

Look for companies that have a history in educational products.

Always know what you are buying; be aware of the hidden charges in many ‘free’ games and apps.

Monitor your child's app usage

The biggest downside of this app technology for children is that if it isn't restricted, children can become very addicted. This can be dangerous as it curbs social skills. Engagement with technology that offer apps is an independent experience for children and, while children can learn from them, they can be detrimental if usage is not monitored.